Making your own "Steady Betty". Tutorial pleas.
 

I definitely need a "steady betty" but I want one the length of the fabric ~44 inches. Has anyone made their own. If so, would you please post a tutorial. Looked on line and couldn't find a "how to". Thank you. Yolanda Wood River

You need foam back vinyl to cover two thin boards (foam side out) and then put the two boards together. That's the way the large Steady Betty is assembled. Look for the foam vinyl at upholstery fabric shops. I think the Steady Betty may have better foam but the foam back vinyl works fine.

I haven't seen anything but all it is just a board covered with the "Steady Betty" material. You can buy the Steady Betty Ironing board Kits which contains the material in different sizes: 14 x 54, 18 x 60, 24 x 60. If you have a friend who has one you can look at how it is made, then figure out how much material you need and get one of the ironing board covers that suits your needs. It is light enough that I don't think the base is wood, maybe something like foam board

I believe that they have this material patented and I haven't seen any knockoffs - yet. I actually did get the ironing board cover and covered my big board with it. I love it, but it doesn't work really well for regular (clothes) ironing as things don't slip over and around easily.

Thank you for your help. I plan to "make my own" first before I spend money on one. Great helpers as usual. Yolanda Wood River

Ok I'm going to show my ignorance. What on earth is a "steady Betty"?

http://www.steadybetty.com/


Yolanda - you might also try covering your ironing board with cotton duck. I find it works as well as a Steady Betty to hold my blocks. I haven't tried the foam-backed vinyl that Bella's talking about, but it sounds interesting too.

Thanks Mom-6 for asking 'what's Steady Betty'?!! And thank you Peggi for the link that explained it! Had never heard of it before, I don't get to any quilt shows. Thank goodness for the Quilting Board!!!!!